CRA’s CV Database Initiative Turns One

As a first step to address recent recruiting challenges in the computing research community, the Computing Research Association (CRA) launched the CV Database initiative in Fall 2018. This initiative provides a database of candidates for academic and industrial/government laboratory research positions. It is searchable by most CRA member institutions. During its first year, the CV Database attracted 322 applicants who were able to upload information such as a C.V., research/teaching statements, geographic preferences and short videos. Of the 276 applicants who indicated their institution, they represented 130 institutions across ten countries, namely, U.S.A., Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and U.K. They spanned over 40 computing research sub-areas including Machine Learning, Data Science, (Cyber-)Security, HCI, Networks, Algorithms, Theory, Cloud Computing, Robotics, Software Engineering, and CS Education. The CV Database was queried by recruiters from 65 institutions (about 30% of the CRA membership). One institution joined CRA to access the CV Database.

Recruiting continues to be one of the top computing research community challenges. Thus, CRA plans to strengthen the CV Database initiative and take additional actions in 2019-20.

What’s new this year? CRA has reviewed usage data from the first year application cycle and made adjustments to improve the user experience and process. For example, to reduce the data entry load on applicants, the following adjustments have been made: (a) an application is considered complete when it contains a CV and a statement, (b) endorsement by the candidate’s advisor/endorser is no longer required, and (c) Masters institution information has been omitted. Furthermore, applications from the 2018-19 cycle have been removed. Only applications submitted in the new cycle will be visible.

The CV Database will re-open for the 2019-20 recruiting season in mid-September 2019. It can be accessed through https://cra.org/cv-database/. Candidates will be able to upload their resumes, research and teaching statements, job objectives and other preferences, and a link to a short presentation video. Recruiters will be able to search this information and are encouraged to contact candidates.

Please encourage all of your finishing PhD students looking for academic or industrial/government laboratory research positions to post their applications soon, before the academic recruiting season begins.

In mid-October 2019, recruiter access to the CV Database will be made available to all CRA academic members. Additionally, industrial and government laboratory CRA member institutions that sponsor Grad Cohort 2020 at the silver level and above will receive access.

We hope that your PhD students and your Faculty Recruiting Committee find this service valuable. For further information visit: https://cra.org/cv-database/#Info.

Questions should be directed to cvdatabase@cra.org, Prof. Josep Torrellas (torrella@illinois.edu) or Prof. Shashi Shekhar (shekhar@umn.edu).

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